Ireland is an EU member country with a knowledge-based economy and strong industries in services and technology. With attractive corporate tax rates, Ireland has been ideal destination for multinational corporations.

Ireland’s Main Industries

Ireland is economically known for its strength in:

Agriculture Sector

Cattle

Beef

Dairy

Services Sector

Financial

Banking

Asset Management

Tourism

Mining and Metals Sector

Zinc

Lead concentrates

Alumina

Coal

Gypsum

Limestone

Industrial and Manufacturing Sector

Construction Sector

Residential property

Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals

Technology Sector

Hardware

Software related goods and services

Energy Sector

Supply and distribution of natural gas

Electricity

Coal

Ireland’s Main Stock Exchanges

The main stock exchange in Ireland is:

1. Irish Stock Exchange

Founded in 1793 and is Ireland’s sole independently-owned exchange

Has an established and extensive debt securities trading market

Operates three principal markets

i. Securities of established domestic and global Irish companies

ii. Growth-oriented companies

iii. Debt market

Indices

i. ISEQ Overall Index

Glimpse into Ireland’s Equity Market

Irish equities experienced negative returns following the 2008 economic crisis. With the Irish banking sector have a heavily credit exposure to a deteriorating and crashing property market, the economy underwent significant problems.

The 3-year return on the ISEQ overall index was -48%. The index has somewhat recovered however, with the last 9 months yielding 4.5%